How the 'Just walk out' cashierless tech works

Key Takeaways

Amazon Go stores offer a “just walk out” shopping experience with no traditional checkouts or cashiers.
These stores utilize advanced technologies like computer vision and deep learning to track products and charge customers automatically.
Amazon is committed to expanding its Go and Fresh store concepts globally, with plans to open thousands of grocery and convenience stores in the future.

Amazon Go convenience stores have been in operation for several years now, with multiple locations across the US and in London. While Amazon has reduced its focus on physical pop-up stores, it remains committed to expanding its Go and Fresh store concepts worldwide. What sets these stores apart is their unique “just walk out” shopping experience. Unlike traditional shops, there are no registers or cashiers to be found. Shoppers simply enter, select their desired items, and exit the store, making for a seamless and futuristic shopping process.

Amazon offers a range of retail experiences, including Amazon Fresh (a grocery delivery and pickup service for a wide range of groceries) and Amazon pop-up stores (temporary retail locations that showcase Amazon devices such as Echo and Kindle). But in this guide, we’ll provide you with all the essential information about Amazon Go and how exactly they provide a “just walk out” shopping experience that lacks traditional registers or cashiers.

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What are Amazon Go stores?

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Amazon Go is a revolutionary shopping experience that eliminates the need for traditional checkouts and cashiers. Customers can enter the store, pick out items they want, and simply walk out. Their Amazon account is automatically charged for the items they take.

Meanwhile, ‘Just Walk Out’ is the technology employed by Amazon Go stores that allows customers to shop without the need for traditional checkouts or cashiers. This technology combines computer vision, sensor fusion, and deep learning, similar to the technologies used in self-driving cars.

Cameras and sensors within the store track items as customers pick them up or return them to shelves. Each customer has a virtual cart that keeps track of selected items. When customers leave the store, their Amazon account is charged accordingly.

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How does Amazon Go work?

Use an App or a QR code

Amazon opens its first cashier-free store in the UK - just walk out! photo 3 — Amazon

To use Amazon Go, you need the Amazon Go app (available for iOS and Android), an Amazon account, and a supported smartphone. Upon entering the store, you scan the app or a code or QR code at the entry gate. This code serves as your virtual “entry ticket,” and then you can start shopping.

Once you’ve passed through the entry gate, you can start shopping immediately. There’s no need to scan individual items or interact with traditional checkout registers. Simply pick up the products you want to purchase and place them in your shopping basket or bag. The advanced technologies, including computer vision and sensors will see what you’ve picked up and what you’re purchasing. When you leave, you’re automatically charged for the items you take.

As you shop, you are not required to check out in the traditional sense. There’s no need to scan barcodes or wait in line to pay for your items.

When you’ve finished shopping and have all the items you need, simply exit the store. You can “just walk out” without interacting with any cashiers or registers. The technology in the store calculates the total cost of the items in your virtual cart. Your Amazon account is automatically charged for the items you’ve taken.

You can view your order history and digital receipts within the Amazon Go app. This allows you to keep track of your purchases and review your charges.

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What types of Amazon Go stores are there?

Two types of stores offer different services

Amazon opens its first cashier-free store in the UK - just walk out! photo 4 — Amazon

There are two types of Amazon stores that offer the “just walk out” technology. The first type is an Amazon Go that is more like a convenience store. These stores offer breakfast, lunch, and snacks.

The Amazon Fresh stores are more like regular grocery stores that provides produce, ready-made dinners, and household essentials.

Some Amazon Go stores also stock local and regional favorite products to cater to the preferences of the community, as well as Amazon-branded items. You can discover Amazon-branded grocery items and other products. The specific product offerings may vary between Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh stores.

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Where can I find Amazon Go stores?

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You can find Amazon Go stores in various locations, with over 25 in the US, including larger Amazon Fresh stores. Additionally, Amazon operates 19 Fresh stores in London, UK. To locate a store near you, check the latest list of Amazon Go locations.

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What technology powers Amazon Go?

Scanners and cameras play quite the part

Now Walmart is planning its own Amazon Go-like store with no cashiers image 1 — Amazon

Amazon Go stores utilize advanced technologies such as computer vision, sensor fusion, and deep learning, similar to those used in self-driving cars. These technologies, called Just Walk Out, track products and maintain a virtual cart for each customer, ensuring a seamless shopping experience. You can even replace items at any time while shopping in an Amazon Go store. The technology keeps track of changes to your virtual cart, ensuring accurate billing.

You need a supported smartphone with the Amazon Go app installed to use Just Walk Out technology. The app is linked to your Amazon account and serves as your entry ticket to the store.

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Is Amazon expanding Just Walk Out to more locations?

amazon hopes to open 2 000 amazon go stores and drive thrus image 1 — Amazon

Yes, Amazon is committed to expanding Just Walk Out technology to more locations worldwide. While the company has scaled back some physical pop-up stores, it is actively investing in the growth of Amazon Go and Fresh stores. Amazon has ambitious plans to open thousands of grocery and convenience stores in the future.